Customer Reviews

Secret History of the Mongols: The Origin of Chingis Khan

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The Secret History is a record of the Mongolian Royal families, which is thought to have been written during the thirteenth century. Paul Kahn has kept the original prose format in his translation, which I feel makes this the only version to own. It begins with the creation myth of the wolf and deer from which the Mongolian people (in legend) are descended from; throught he birth of Temujin, and ending with the ascention to the throne of Ogedai Khan. I highly recommend this to those who are looking for primary sources to add to their Asian history collections.

The Secret History of the Mongols is one of the most important primary source for study of Mongol history and Chingis Khan. Also, this book is very impressive poet like Homor's great works. I know Francis Woodman Cleaves has already translated it into English. He is great master of Mongol history, however, his "King James English" is terrible, especially foreigners like me. Paul Khan's work overcomes this big problem. The easy and spoken English let everyone enjoy it. Now, read it, enjoy it, and feel the "World Conqueror"

This is one of the least thorough interpretations of The Secret History of the Mongols. Anyone who finds this book of any interest should read the same book translated by Francis Woodman Cleaves or Igor de Rachewiltz, both versions are considerably better.

This is a fine, light adaptation of the same by Francis Woodman Cleaves. I recommend this book to a new Mongol fan. But if you are serious about Mongols you should know that this work misses a lot of the original content.

For example, Paul Kahn removed from the early part the origins of most of the Mongol clans that join Chingis in the middle, which includes the heritage of many characters. That would have only made perfect sense to include, although he seems to think it would be boring for some.

I give Paul Kahn credit for adapting a difficult book. I do not know Mongolian either. But for another example, he wrote:

"...you live by some rule that says, I don't need to be offered some food before I take something to eat. You have the custom of eating whatever you can find,"

where it should be something like,

"The rule for someone like you is that she is not to be given something to eat just because she is called. The rule for someone like you is that she eats if she happens to find something,"

which makes a lot more sense in context (the princesses are telling Chingis' mother she is invited to the feast but not owed meat, not telling her she is not invited, and accusing her of being a scavenger.)

I should also mention the seemingly phony line divisions he added to make it look like an epic poem. So, my advice is to get the Cleaves version if you are serious about Mongols, or about this work in particular. Get this one if you are new to Mongols and don't want a difficult book.

It is a gold for historicals but will be very hard to read for people who are not interested in Mongol history

"the secret history of the mongols" is just that: a secret. there is
disagreement among scholars about its authenticity, it's origins and its
historical value. however for anyone interested in mongolia or chingis
kahn it's a must have (and a pretty boring read). even counting punctuation
marks and picas, i can't stretch this to 75 words.

There is nothing wrong with Kahn's writing, I was just disappointed in how little real information about the Chingis Khan regime was in it. I was expecting details on battle strategies, more background on his relationship with Borte and his sons, and stuff like that. It was a lot more about who was put in command of which tribe, what color people's horses were, and things like that.

Fabulous! If you are bound for Mongolia you MUST read this.... or bring it along as a gift for your guide. Easy to follow and a wonderful look into the past! I LOVED this book.
A keeper.